Health Benefits of Beets

Health Benefits of Beets

1/2 cup beets (cooked) contain:

26 cal;
1.3 gm protein (incomplete);
6 gm carbohydrate;
12 mg calcium;
19 mg phosphorus;
.4 mg iron;
35 mg sodium;
176 mg potassium;
16.5 units A;
 .25 mg niacin;
 5 mg C.

Beets may be served raw (shredded in salads), cooked, or pickled, and in any form can color up a dull looking meal. An excellent food source, they are low in calories but provide a sugar that is readily converted to energy rather than being stored  as fats good for dieters. Both beets and beet greens are  rich in a substance resembling cholin, which helps produce  natural lecithin in the body and also aids in natural liver functions, making them especially good for persons concerned about heart problems or cholesterol levels and also heavy drinkers. Beets have proved helpful against ulcers and are also reported to have a soothing effect on the nerves.